Open Camping Village to Welcome the Next Generation of Fans

Younger spectators at The 145th Open at Royal Troon this year will be able to take advantage of an innovative free accommodation option after The R&A announced plans for The Open Camping Village.

Situated at the nearby Marr Rugby Club, the camping village will offer free accommodation to up to 500 ticket holders aged 25 and under, ensuring The Open experience is available to even more people.

It is the first time The R&A have offered a camping option and will see two, four and six person pre-pitched tents made available including an inflatable camping bed for each guest.

Adults over the age of 25 are permitted to book alongside children under the age of 16, while food & drink, shower facilities and free parking will also be available.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “It is exciting to see the introduction of a new and innovative accommodation option to attract a new generation of spectators to The Open.

“The Championship attracts huge numbers of spectators from around the globe bringing significant economic impact to the region and to Scotland as a whole and any way of opening the Championship up to new audiences is to be welcomed.

“We have a history of innovation in Scotland, particularly in golfing terms, so I am pleased to see the first ever Open Camping Village take shape at Royal Troon this year.”

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A said, “There will be an exciting festival atmosphere at Troon throughout the week of The Open as thousands of people come together for a true celebration of golf. The new Camping Village will provide a fun and safe accommodation option for young people within easy walking distance of Royal Troon.

“The Open is a wonderful opportunity for young fans to get up close to their favourite players and we know this will help inspire future generations to pick up a club and take part themselves. Our aim is to make The Open as accessible as possible and the new Camping Village along with discounted Youth Tickets and the Kids Go Free programme are key parts of this commitment.”

This year sees The Open celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kids Go Free initiative, which allows children under the age of 16 free admission to the Championship when accompanied by an adult. More than 300,000 children have experienced The Open for free since the programme was first introduced at Royal Troon in 1997.

Tickets for The Open are currently available at early season pricing, with prices set to rise after 31 May.

Spectators can register their interest now at www.TheOpen.com/camping with bookings to be taken from early May.

Younger spectators at The 145th Open at Royal Troon this year will be able to take advantage of an innovative free accommodation option after The R&A announced plans for The Open Camping Village. Situated at the nearby Marr Rugby Club, the camping village will offer free accommodation to up to 500 ticket holders aged 25 and under, ensuring The Open experience is available to even more people. It is the first time The R&A have offered a camping option and will see two, four and six person pre-pitched tents made available including an inflatable camping bed for each guest.Adults over the age of 25 are permitted to book alongside children under the age of 16, while food & drink, shower facilities and free parking will also be available.

Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “It is exciting to see the introduction of a new and innovative accommodation option to attract a new generation of spectators to The Open. “The Championship attracts huge numbers of spectators from around the globe bringing significant economic impact to the region and to Scotland as a whole and any way of opening the Championship up to new audiences is to be welcomed. “We have a history of innovation in Scotland, particularly in golfing terms, so I am pleased to see the first ever Open Camping Village take shape at Royal Troon this year.”

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A said, “There will be an exciting festival atmosphere at Troon throughout the week of The Open as thousands of people come together for a true celebration of golf. The new Camping Village will provide a fun and safe accommodation option for young people within easy walking distance of Royal Troon.“The Open is a wonderful opportunity for young fans to get up close to their favourite players and we know this will help inspire future generations to pick up a club and take part themselves. Our aim is to make The Open as accessible as possible and the new Camping Village along with discounted Youth Tickets and the Kids Go Free programme are key parts of this commitment.”

This year sees The Open celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kids Go Free initiative, which allows children under the age of 16 free admission to the Championship when accompanied by an adult. More than 300,000 children have experienced The Open for free since the programme was first introduced at Royal Troon in 1997. Tickets for The Open are currently available at early season pricing, with prices set to rise after 31 May.